This Week in Government

Probate court starting guardian programThe Wood County Probate Court has established a voluntary guardian program for persons needing assistance in court proceedings.

Judge David Woessner said trained volunteers will provide guardian service for persons who’ve been declared incompetent or who are unable to take care of themselves.

The program won’t deal with guardianships involving control or access to finances, he said.

“There is an increasing need for guardianships to assist individuals who have no family or other suitable relatives or interested parties to help them,” Judge Woessner said. “This program will fill that need.”

The first training class is expected to be held in September. Individuals interested in volunteering must be 21 or older. Background and reference checks will be conducted.

Applications for volunteers may be picked up at the probate court or its website, the Wood County Committee on Aging, and Wood County Department of Job and Family Services.

B-C-S retirees to be honoredThe Benton-Carroll-Salem Board of Education will meet May 24. A reception honoring retirees will start at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Oak Harbor High School Media Center, 11681 W. St. Rt. 163.

Bridge work delayedThe Ottawa County Engineer’s office has announced that the bridge on Billman Road, between Reservation Line and Curtice East/West roads, will be out of service longer than expected due to weathered-related delays in construction. The bridge crosses Cedar Creek.

The road is expected to re-open on or about June 16.

Crossing closedNorfolk and Southern has notified the county engineer the rail crossing at Genoa-Clay Center Road, between Curtice East/West Road and Hollyhock Lane, will be closed from May 19-24.